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6 Middle Awash late Miocene specimens assigned to Lutrinae gen. et sp. indet. A. ALA-VP2/106, left M 1 , occlusal and buccal views. B. ALAVP-2/214, right C 1 , mesial and distal views. C. ALAVP-2/73, left M 1 fragment. D. STD-VP-1/2, left humerus, anterior and posterior views.
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This chapter describes the Middle Awash carnivore fauna, which represents one of the most diverse in the latest Miocene of eastern Africa. At least 15 genera in seven families are recognized from the Asa Koma Member of the Adu-Asa Formation and the Kuseralee Member of the Sagantole Formation. The carnivore assemblage from the late Miocene of the Mi...
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A new species of Plesiogulo (Plesiogulo botori sp. nov.) is described from 5.5-6.0 Ma deposits in East Africa. This new fossil material comes from two localities: Lemudong'o in southern Kenya, and Adu Dora, in the Afar Depression of Ethiopia. The new mustelid species is larger than all known Old World Plesiogulo species and extends the temporal and...
Citations
... For instance, the occurrence of m2 in the late Miocene Howellictis valentini and Erokomellivora lothagamensis is interpreted as a primitive trait for the group, and has been used to separate it from Mellivora, where it disappeared (Werdelin, 2003;FIGURE 6. Measurements (mm) of the lower carnassial (m1) of African and Eurasian mellivorines as depicted in bivariate plots of maximum mesiodistal length (L) vs. maximum buccolingual width (W). Sources: Hendey (1974), Rook et al. (1991), Geraads (1997), Werdelin (2003), Bonis et al. (2009), Haile-Selassie and Howell (2009), Geraads (2016, and this work. Werdelin and Peigné, 2010). ...
... 5.4 Ma) represented by a mandible fragment with p3-m1 (Rook et al., 1991) and Middle Awash Formation of Ethiopia (ca. 6-5.5 Ma), represented by a hemimandible with worn dentition, a broken m1 and a lower canine (Haile-Selassie and Howell, 2009), though this referral is dubious. The mellivorine from Brisighella can undoubtedly be attributed to M. benfieldi, as its morphological traits conform to the known variability of this taxon. ...
... However, the Middle Awash specimen AMW-VP-1/40 is different. Haile-Selassie and Howell (2009) suggested that the Middle Awash species is likely to be ancestral to the South African M. benfieldi. It has a relatively longer p4 (Table S4) and a m1 with a wider trigonid and a more robust talonid to those from LBW. ...
We describe abundant new remains of the medium-sized mustelid Mellivora benfieldi from the early Pliocene site of Langebaanweg (South Africa). The specimens are from the Muishond Fontein Pelletal Phosphorite Member (MPPM) and the Langeberg Quartz Sand Member (LQSM). Novel dentognathic-upper dentition, alveolus for m2-and postcranial-humerus, metacarpal V, femur and calcaneus-information is provided. This sample enables us to review the taxonomic status of Mio-Pliocene African mellivorines. Mellivora benfieldi is distinguished from the middle-late Miocene 'Eomellivora' tugenensis from Ngorora Kenya by its smaller size, and a M1 protocone messially placed; from the late Miocene Howellictis valentini from Chad by greater dental size with more crowded lower premolars, and p3 with distal accessory cuspid; and from the late Miocene Erokomellivora lothagamensis from Kenya, by shorter p4 and buccolingually shorter m1 protoconid. It also differs from H. valentini and Er. lothagamensis in absence or residual presence of the m2 alveolus. We infer M. benfieldi was an opportunistic, medium-sized carnivoran with semifossorial abilities, comparable to its living relative Mellivora capensis. A cladistic analysis was performed and our phylogenetic results place M. benfieldi as the sister species of M. capensis. Mellivorini contains M. benfieldi, M. capensis, and H. valentini. Additionally, we also include Er. lothagamensis and the Indian Promellivora punjabiensis. We propose the creation of one new tribe within Mellivorinae: Eomellivorini (Eomellivora spp. + Ekorus). It shares a common ancestor with Mellivorini and is characterized by large size, a robust and sharp dentition, as well as a skeleton with cursorial adaptations.
... The African fossil record of giant mustelids includes relatives of living otters, wolverines and honey badgers. The giant otters are a diverse group of large to very large-sized species from the late Miocene to the early Pleistocene, represented by genera Enhydriodon, and Sivaonyx (Stromer, 1920(Stromer, , 1931Hendey, 1974Hendey, , 1978bPetter, Pickford & Howell, 1991;Petter, 1994;Werdelin, 2003b;Morales, Pickford & Soria, 2005;Pickford, 2007;De Bonis et al., 2008;Haile-Selassie, 2008;Peigné et al., 2008;Lewis, 2008;Haile-Selassie & Howell, 2009;Werdelin & Peigné, 2010;Geraads et al., 2011;Werdelin & Manthi, 2012;Grohé et al., 2013;Werdelin, Lewis & Haile-Selassie, 2014;Werdelin & Lewis, 2013;Werdelin & Lewis, 2017). Other large African mustelids are Plesiogulo, a large sized relative of the living wolverine (Gulo gulo Linnaeus, 1758) found in the Mio-Pliocene (Haile-Selassie, Hlusko Hendey, 1978b;Morales, Pickford & Soria, 2005;Morales, Pickford & Valenciano, 2016), and the late Miocene cursorial Ekorus ekakeran Werdelin (2003a), a relative of the living honey badger Mellivora capensis (Schreber, 1776) (Valenciano et al., 2017b. ...
... Remarks: Sivaonyx and Enhydriodon represent the largest African genera of bunodont otters, and their systematic position are debated Geraads et al., 2011;Grohé et al., 2013;Werdelin & Lewis, 2013Werdelin, 2015;Ghaffar & Akhtar, 2016). reassigned most of the African specimens with available dentition from Enhydriodon to Sivaonyx, a suggestion followed later by many authors (Pickford, 2007;Peigné et al., 2008;Lewis, 2008;Haile-Selassie, 2008;Haile-Selassie & Howell, 2009;Werdelin & Peigné, 2010;Grohé et al., 2013;Koufos, Mayda & Kaya, 2018), although recently new findings questioned this proposal (Geraads et al., 2011;Werdelin & Lewis, 2013;Werdelin, 2015). The aim of this work is not Figure 2 (continued) of the proximal epiphysis, 3, (lateromedial) and 4, (craniocaudal) widths of the middle point of the diaphysis, 5, (lateromedial) and 6, (craniocaudal) widths of the distal epiphysis; Ulna, 1, total length, 2, maximum lateromedial width of the olecranon tuber, 3, maximum craniocaudal width of the olecranon tuber 4, proximodistal height of the proximal epiphysis of the ulna, measured from the proximal edge of the olecranon to the distal edge of the radial notch. ...
... The same year, reassigned the species from LBW and Klein Zee to the genus Sivaonyx, while retaining the species names. Despite the similar age and size, it is widely accepted that both South African bunodont otters are different species (Pickford, 2007;De Bonis et al., 2008;Haile-Selassie, 2008;Peigné et al., 2008;Lewis, 2008;Haile-Selassie & Howell, 2009;Werdelin & Peigné, 2010;Geraads et al., 2011;Grohé et al., 2013). Sivaonyx hendeyi can be distinguished from S. africanus (Fig. 4) in several dental traits summarized in the differential diagnosis of this manuscript. ...
Giant mustelids are a paraphyletic group of mustelids found in the Neogene of Eurasia, Africa and North America. Most are known largely from dental remains, with their postcranial skeleton mostly unknown. Here, we describe new craniodental and postcranial remains of the large lutrine Sivaonyx hendeyi and the leopard-size gulonine Plesiogulo aff. monspessulanus from the early Pliocene site Langebaanweg, South Africa. The new material of the endemic S. hendeyi, includes upper incisors and premolars, and fragmentary humerus, ulna and a complete astragalus. Its postcrania shares more traits with the living Aonyx capensis than the late Miocene Sivaonyx beyi from Chad. Sivaonyx hendeyi could therefore be tentatively interpreted as a relatively more aquatic taxon than the Chadian species, comparable to A. capensis. The new specimens of Plesiogulo comprise two edentulous maxillae, including one of a juvenile individual with incomplete decidual dentition, and a fragmentary forelimb of an adult individual. The new dental measurements point to this form being amongst the largest specimens of the genus. Both P3-4 differs from the very large species Plesiogulo botori from late Miocene of Kenya and Ethiopia. This confirms the existence of two distinct large species of Plesiogulo in Africa during the Mio/Pliocene, P. botori in the Late Miocene of Eastern Africa (6.1-5.5 Ma) and Plesiogulo aff. monspessulanus at the beginning of the Pliocene in southern Africa (5.2 Ma). Lastly, we report for the first time the presence of both Sivaonyx and Plesiogulo in MPPM and LQSM at Langebaanweg, suggesting that the differences observed from the locality may be produced by sedimentation or sampling biases instead of temporal replacement within the carnivoran guild.
... These specimens are mostly isolated teeth (Ginsburg 1977;Turner 1988;Morales et al. 2005;Werdelin and Peigné 2010). The exception is Hyaenictis wehaietu Haile-Selassie and Howell, 2009, from the late Miocene and early Pliocene of the Middle Awash in Ethiopia (5.8-5.2 Ma), which is represented by more abundant material (Haile-Selassie and Howell 2009). ...
... Ma), which is represented by more abundant material (Haile-Selassie and Howell 2009). Besides its smaller size, this species differs from H. graeca by the lack of p1 and m2, and the presence of a well-developed m1 metaconid (Haile-Selassie and Howell 2009). Given the lack of these diagnostic features of the type species of the genus, the inclusion of this species in Hyaenictis is questionable (being here referred to as ?Hyaenictis wehaietu). ...
The European Miocene records a wide diversity of hyaenid ecomorphotypes represented by multiple genera. Among these, Hyaenictis Gaudry, 1861, is one of the least known. This genus includes four species from the late Miocene and Pliocene of the Old World, but in Europe Hyaenictis is only represented by two species, recorded by scarce and fragmentary remains: Hyaenictis graeca Gaudry, 1861, from Pikermi (MN12; Greece) and Hyaenictis almerai Villalta Comella and Crusafont Pairó, 1948, from Sant Miquel de Toudell (MN10; Vallès-Penedès Basin, NE Iberia). Here, we describe a new skull of Hyaenictis aff. almerai from the Vallès-Penedès site of Ronda Oest Sabadell Sector D (MN10), representing the most complete European specimen of the genus. In the presence of m2 and virtual lack of m1 metaconid, the described cranium more closely resembles Hyaenictis rather than any other medium- to large-sized European hyaenid. However, the new skull does not fit well with previously known Hyaenictis species, more closely resembling the bone-cracking Adcrocuta Kretzoi, 1938, in the development of premolar accessory cuspids and the possession of relatively broad cheek teeth. These and other features (strong mandibular muscular insertions and enamel microstructure) denote more durophagous adaptations than previously documented in Hyaenictis (considered a cursorial/dog-like hyaena), and favor the inclusion of H. aff. almerai in the transitional bone-cracking hyaenid ecomorphotype.
Here, we describe and revise craniodental material from Langebaanweg ‘E’ Quarry (South Africa, early Pliocene, ∼5.2 Ma), which represents one of the largest and best-preserved collections of sabertooth felids from Mio-Pliocene deposits of Africa. Four taxa, including two new species, are recognized: Lokotunjailurus chinsamyae sp. nov., Adeilosmilus aff. kabir, Yoshi obscura, and Dinofelis werdelini sp. nov. The felid guild composition analyzed herein suggests the presence of a mosaic environment with open components in the region, and shows a potential relationship with that of Yuanmou, suggesting a similar environment and/or dispersal route/event. The reassessment of the rich early Pliocene felids from Langebaanweg is a step toward understanding the transition and evolution of the felids in the southern hemisphere during the late Miocene to early Pliocene.
We describe small-sized specimens of the metailurine felid Dinofelis from a
new Plio-Pleistocene site in North Africa. Dinofelis is a genus of saber-toothed cats mainly
recorded from East and South Africa with numerous leopard to jaguar-sized species. The
described specimens, clearly smaller than all the other African Dinofelis, resemble
isolated remains from the Late Pliocene of France and the Early Pleistocene of Africa.
Present evidence suggests that our form represents a new species and/or new lineage of
Dinofelis, smaller and probably occupying a different ecological niche compared to the
previously known members of the genus, and thus it adds complexity to the high
intraspecific competition among large carnivorans in the Plio-Pleistocene of Africa.
A new medium-sized canid, Eucyon khoikhoi sp. nov., is described from the early Pliocene site of Langebaanweg ‘E’ Quarry (South Africa). It possesses a robust dentition with large upper- and lower-second molars, an m1 talonid without a transverse cristid between the entoconid and the hypoconid, and a well-developed hypoconulid shelf. Our cladistic analysis of the earliest better-known African canini, places E. khoikhoi as the most basal taxon of an African clade composed of E. wokari, ?Nyctereutes barryi, ?Schaeffia mohibi and Schaeffia adusta (living side-striped jackal). We suggest an alternative arrangement for the poorly known East African E. intrepidus from the Late Miocene and E. kuta from the Middle Pliocene. Eucyon intrepidus could belong to the same clade as E. khoikhoi, unlike E. kuta, whose dentition suggests a closer relation with the Lupulella group. Thus, these results support the paraphyly of Eucyon, demonstrating the need for an in-depth review of the genus. Eucyon khoikhoi has a body mass comparable to E. kuta and the European E. debonisi and E. monticinensis. We conclude that E. khoikhoi may have had a comparable role in the ecosystem to the extant hypocarnivorous S. adusta.
The Early Pliocene is a crucial time period in carnivoran evolution. Holarctic carnivoran faunas suffered a turnover event at the Miocene-Pliocene boundary. This event is also observed in Africa but its onset is later and the process more drawn-out. Kanapoi is one of the earliest faunas in Africa to show evidence of a fauna that is more typical Pliocene than Miocene in character. The taxa recovered from Kanapoi are: Torolutra sp., Enhydriodon (2 species), Genetta sp., Helogale sp., Homotherium sp., Dinofelis petteri, Felis sp., and Parahyaena howelli. Analysis of the broader carnivoran context of which Kanapoi is an example shows that all these taxa are characteristic of Plio-Pleistocene African faunas, rather than Miocene ones. While some are still extant and some went extinct in the Early Pleistocene, P. howelli is unique in both originating and going extinct in the Early Pliocene.
Palaeontological field work in the Namib Sand Sea, east of Meob, Namibia, has led to the discovery of the lower dentition of an Early Pliocene hyaenid. The same aeolianite series contains abundant carnivore footprints and coprolites compatible in size with the dental remains. The closest match for the teeth is with the extinct species Crocuta dietrichi, the type locality of which is the Upper Laetoli Beds, Tanzania, ca 3.5-3.8 Ma. Elsewhere the species is reported to range in age from ca 4.4 to 1.9 Ma. The primitive aspect of the teeth and their diminutive dimensions suggest that the fossils are closer in age to 4 Ma than to 2 Ma. This discovery provides the first evidence concerning the age of the Tsondab aeolianites in the Meob sector of the Namib Desert.
The vertebrate fossil localities of the Chorora Formation, Ethiopia, comprise one of only a few sub-Saharan African paleontological research areas that illuminate Late Miocene African mammalian and primate evolution. Field work at Chorora since 2007 has resulted in the establishment of new vertebrate fossil localities and a revised chronostratigraphic framework. The new Chorora Formation fossils include the earliest known records of Cercopithecinae, Hippopotaminae, and Leporidae in Africa. Two lineages of hipparionins are recognized at Chorora, a larger and smaller morph, forming potential phyletic links between the earlier Samburu Hills hipparionins and later Eurygnathohippus turkanensis and E. feibeli from Lothagam, Kenya. The Chorora colobines are larger than the >9 Ma Microcolobus and morphologically conservative with only moderate molar cusp notches. The Chorora cercopithecines represent the earliest documented occurrence of the subfamily.
